How to stop shoes from squeaking? This is a question that many people ask themselves when they are trying to get up in the morning.
Whether you’re walking on tiled or linoleum floors, it can be embarrassing and annoying to have your shoes make noise every time you take a step.
Luckily for you, I have compiled 8 of the best ways on how to stop your shoe’s creaks!
Why Your Shoes Are Squeaking
Squeaking shoes are a common problem for many people.
Whether you’re walking on linoleum or any other type of flooring, it can be really bothersome to have your feet make noises with every step.
It’s even worse if the squeaking is loud and distracting!
New Shoes
Some shoes can be squeaky when new. The squeak will go away after the sole rubs against floors for some time.
It is hard to tell if a new shoe will squeak before trying it out. Your new pair may squeak whether yours is a rubber, leather, or synthetic sole.
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Something Stuck On The Sole
If some material is stuck on the outer sole, it may cause squeaky noise.
In case your shoes are not ordinarily noisy on the same floors, you may want to check if there is something stuck on the sole.
Remove any material on the sole to resolve the squeak. Even a few grains of sand on the lugs can cause a squeak, especially on linoleum floors.
Wear & Tear/ Too Much Friction
Your old pair may start squeaking as they get old. The noise may be coming from a loose insole, a damaged soul, or a peeled-off heel.
Sometimes, there may be too much friction between the floor and your sole.
This is more of a design problem. The lugs may be too sticky or sharp such that they create a lot of friction when they come into contact with the floor.
There could also be friction between the insole and outsole. With frequent wear and as the materials get older, friction between these two surfaces may go up.
Water Damage
If your shoes start squeaking after walking in the rain, water damage could be the problem. The problem will resolve itself once the insole completely dries.
In case of water damage, you would better wait until your shoes are dry before wearing them again. Leave them to air dry for a day or two, so no moisture is left.
How To Stop Shoes From Squeaking on Linoleum
Inspect the shoes to ascertain the problem
You can only apply the right solution if you know where the problem lies. Check the outer sole for any stuck pebbles or sand in the lugs and manually remove them.
If there is no visible problem with the outer sole, the design could be the problem. Fortunately, there is still a lot you can do to rectify the squeak.
The solution you employ will depend on whether yours is a new or old pair.
Stop Squeak From A New Pair Of Shoes
Add more traction and Rubber sole spray
If the sole is too smooth, a lack of good traction may be causing the shoe to squeak when it comes into contact with a hard floor. You can rectify the sole by making it a little rough.
Some of the things that you can use to increase traction include:
This is a type of shoe adhesive specifically designed for rubber soles. When you use the spray on your shoes, they will become less slippery and easier to walk on.
For best results, apply the spray generously on the sole. Also, follow instructions by the manufacturer, especially on how long to wait after applying the sole spray.
Rub sole with a Dryer sheet
A dryer sheet is another excellent choice for slick rubber soles.
You may need to rub the sheet a few times before you can get the desired results, but your effort will be worth it.
Use Sandpaper
Just like a dryer sheet, sandpaper will make your sole a little rough, which translates to enhanced traction.
However, you have to be careful not to damage the sole when rubbing it.
Go for the soft sandpaper as opposed to the rough one.
Rubber soles can withstand the 120-220 grit sandpaper, but you may need to find a finer one with about 60 grit or thereabout for leather soles.
Stop Squeak From An Old Pair
Glue Back The Sole
Even a tiny detachment on the sole can cause a squeak or clapping sound. Use super glue to put the sole back in position and allow enough time to dry.
You can put a heavy object on the shoe after applying glue for a better hold. The goal is to ensure that the sole goes back to the original position and no air pockets are left in-between.
Using Oil Or Baby Powder
If the insole and outsole are rubbing against each other, you can quickly rectify the problem using oil or baby powder.
Apply a thin layer of oil at the bottom of the insole. You can use any other greasy substance in place of oil.
The oil will lubricate the surface so that the shoe doesn’t produce more squeaks. Do not use too much oil; otherwise, the insole may start slipping over the outer sole.
Baby powder is also effective in reducing squeaks. Even with non-removable insoles, you can apply powder around the edges.
Baby powder also works as a drying agent, making it ideal if you are also suspect that water damage could be the issue.
Dry The Shoes Using Heat And Moisture Absorbers
If your shoes start squeaking after coming into contact with water, you need to dry them to resolve the problem.
Leave your shoes to dry in the sun for a few hours and then in an enclosed space for another day. If your shoes can withstand heat, you can also throw them in the drier or use your hair blow-drier.
If the squeaks remain after employing the above solutions, use moisture absorbers. Effective moisture absorbers available at home include baby powder, rice, and old newspapers.
If you save some silica gel bags after buying new shoes, also put a few pieces in your shoes and allow enough time for them to dry.
If you are sure that you will be walking on the rain or wet surfaces again, use some water-repelling spray on the sole. You can use a store-bought water-resistant spray like WD-40 or make one using vegetable oil and acetone or cooking oil and water.
Condition Your Shoes
This primarily applies to shoes with leather soles. A good layer of conditioner will take care of any squeak and prevent the surface from cracking.
For shoes with noisy buckles, rub some candle wax on the metallic part to eliminate all noises.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.